In 1952, a car club known as the "Choppers of Pomona" aided by a young police officer, Sergeant Bud Coons, advocated that a safe place should be provided for local area drag racers.

The county finally agreed, as long as the hot rodders would provide their own insurance, which they were able to do with gate receipts.

The coalition of hot rodders, police and community leaders raised funds through donations and paved the lot.

Compared to the 3.9 second numbers (at 333 yd 1 ft (304.80 m) the pros are putting on the board presently, the best ET of that day was a respectable 10.93.

The season closer, the NHRA Finals, was brought to the facility in 1984 from the now defunct Orange County International Raceway.

The 2020 event was sponsored by Stellantis and Royal Dutch Shell when it was held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway because Clark County, Nevada allowed spectators when California still banned mass gatherings because of the global pandemic.

[7] Note: From 2021 to 2025, the race has been held in late March or early April, after the Gainesville round.